ASNR can suspend the operation of a reactor at any time in the event of serious and imminent danger. This is part of its duty to permanently monitor nuclear facilities. However, the definitive shutdown of a nuclear reactor for energy policy reasons is decided on by the government, not by ASNR. In addition, EDF must report annually to ASNR on its industrial capacity to implement the expected safety improvements within the specified timeframe. ASNR expects EDF to anticipate the risks, particularly industrial risks, which could prevent certain work from being carried out, and to remedy any difficulties that are identified. If EDF considers that, for technical or economic reasons, it is not able to implement ASNR’s requirements, the reactor concerned must be shut down. The law of 21 May 2024 on the organisation of the governance of nuclear safety and radiation protection to meet the challenge of relaunching the nuclear industry led to the creation, from 1 January 2025, of a new authority which brings together the majority of the activities of IRSN (ASN’s historical technical support body) with those of ASN. From the point of view of nuclear safety, the remit of the new authority has been extended to include research, regulation, expert assessment and oversight tasks. Monitoring of the implementation of modifications required by the regulations within the scope of the fourth periodic safety reviews of nuclear reactors remains unchanged. ASNR carries out all its tasks with the combined workforces from the relevant IRSN and ASN departments. EDF periodically assesses possible changes in hazards resulting from climate change, and makes sure that such changes do not call into question the protection of the power plants. In addition, within the scope of the fourth periodic safety review, EDF will take steps to ensure that its power plants are more resilient, and capable of withstanding natural hazards of greater intensity than before (for example, severe hot weather or tornadoes). How will the creation of a new authority (ASNR), which brings together capabilities in research, expert assessment, decisionmaking and oversight, affect the implementation and monitoring of the modifications within the scope of the fourth periodic safety review? Will the periodic safety review lead to improvements in the nuclear power plants’ protection against serious disruptions (floods, storms, severe hot weather, etc.) caused by climate change? Could ASNR demand the shutting down of the reactors if EDF is unable to carry out the work set out in the requirements? Conditions for the continued operation of 1,300 MWe reactors beyond 40 years • 31
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